Launch Academy creating AR/VR hub

Vancouver technology incubator Launch Academy has announced a new facility for virtual reality (VR) and immersive technology companies.

Partnering up with VR/AR Association Vancouver, Launch Academy will create a local VR/AR Hub to support the city’s burgeoning industry. Offering training and education programs, VR and AR equipment rental, mentorship, events, and workshops, the 12,000 square foot facility will provide necessary tools for entrepreneurs to get their startup off the ground.

“The reason why Launch Academy is successful is because we believe in community first,” said Ray Walia, CEO of Launch Academy. Walia is also a co-founder of Victory Square, which launched a cannabis accelerator last week. “In a nascent industry like VR/AR, it is especially important to cultivate early-stage entrepreneurs, cross pollinate their networks with other existing emerging tech communities and provide them with the resources they need to tackle their audacious visions. VR/AR Association Vancouver and Launch Academy share the same passion to help these entrepreneurs succeed.”

Mentors of the new initiative include Silicon Valley-based investors from Super Ventures, The VR Fund, WXR Fund, Outpost Capital, and The GFR Fund. In addition, over 25 local mentors have expressed their support, including founders and experts from Microsoft, Blueprint Reality, Cognitive3D, Vancouver Economic Commission, YDreams, Archiact, Finger Food, LlamaZOO, LNG Studio and many more.

“We have all the right ingredients to make Vancouver number one,” said Dan Burgar, Vancouver Chapter President of the VR/AR Association. “We believe it’s extremely important to keep the momentum up and build the support infrastructure now for companies to accelerate their growth. Launch Academy has a proven track record of incubating over 600 companies and we’re thrilled to work with them on this.”